Hair iron

ABSTRACT

A hair iron includes a first hair holding part including a first hair holding surface and a second hair holding part including a second hair holding surface configured to face the first hair holding surface. The hair iron holds hair with the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface facing each other. The hair iron further includes a discharge device that generates ions and an ion ejection port that ejects the ions thus generated. The discharge device is disposed at a portion of the first hair holding part that does not overlap the first hair holding surface. This can provide the hair iron that can be downsized in the thickness direction while increasing hair care effects.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a hair iron.

2. Description of the Related Art

Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-102540 (hereinafter, referred to as PTL 1) discloses a conventional hair iron including a first hair holding part including a first hair holding surface, and a second hair holding part including a second hair holding surface configured to face the first hair holding surface.

The hair iron disclosed in PTL 1 is a device that holds hair with the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface facing each other to apply hair care to the hair.

The hair iron disclosed in. PTL 1 further includes a discharge device that generates ions, and an ion ejection port configured to eject the ions generated by the discharge device toward the hair. This makes it possible to further increase hair care effects of the hair iron.

However, in the conventional hair iron described above, the discharge device is disposed at a portion that overlaps the first hair holding surface. Specifically, the discharge device is disposed at a position where the discharge device and the first hair holding surface overlap each other as viewed along a direction of a normal to the first hair holding surface. This may lead to an increase in thickness of the hair iron (a size of the first hair holding surface in the direction of the normal).

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a hair iron that can be downsized in a thickness direction while increasing hair care effects.

A hair iron according to the present disclosure includes a first hair holding part including a first hair holding surface, and a second hair holding part including a second hair holding surface configured to Pace the first hair holding surface. Further, the hair iron holds hair with the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface facing each other. The hair iron further includes a discharge device that generates ions, and an ion ejection port that ejects the ions generated by the discharge device. Then, the discharge device is disposed at a portion of the first hair holding part that does not overlap with the first hair holding surface.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a hair iron that can be downsized in the thickness direction while increasing the hair care effects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a hair iron according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a hack view of the hair iron according to the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the hair iron according to the exemplary embodiment, showing a state where a first hair holding surface faces a second hair holding surface;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the hair iron according to the exemplary embodiment, showing a state where a first hair holding part and second hair holding part are spaced apart from each other;

FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a pivot joint included in the hair iron according to the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first arm of the hair iron according to the exemplary embodiment as viewed from the first hair holding surface side;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second arm of the hair iron according to the exemplary embodiment as viewed from the second hair holding surface side;

FIG. 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the hair iron according to the exemplary embodiment taken along a plane orthogonal to a front-back direction, showing a portion where a front float rubber is disposed;

FIG. 10 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the hair iron according to the exemplary embodiment taken along a plane orthogonal to the front-back direction, showing a portion where a rear float rubber is disposed;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG, 3;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the hair iron according to the exemplary embodiment, showing a state where the hair iron is opened with the first arm located at a lower side;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the hair iron according to the exemplary embodiment, showing an ion ejection port and a liquid intake port; and

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a discharge device disposed in a hollow space in the hair iron according to the exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, for the following description, a vertical direction is defined on the basis of a hair iron in a state where a first hair holding surface and a second hair holding surface are brought close to each other (a first hair holding part and the second hair holding part are closed), and the first hair holding surface is located over the second hair holding surface. Further, the description will be given with a hair holding part side of the hair iron defined as a front side and a grip side defined as a rear side.

Furthermore, the description will be given with a front-back direction based on the above-described principle (longitudinal direction of the first hair holding surface and second hair holding surface) defined as an X direction, a width direction (lateral direction of the first hair holding surface and second hair holding surface) defined as a Y direction, and a vertical direction (thickness direction of the first hair holding part and second hair holding part based on the above-described principle) defined as a Z direction.

Exemplary Embodiment

Hereinafter, a schematic structure of hair iron 10 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4.

Hair iron 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes, as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, first arm 20A (upper arm) and second arm 20B (lower arm) joined together with pivot joint 110, first arm 20A and second arm 20B being pivotable into an approximate V shape (including a V shape). First arm 20A and second arm 20B are relatively pivoted at pivot joint 110. This allows first arm 20A and second arm 20B of hair iron 10 to come into contact with or separate from each other at their respective ends.

That is, in hair iron 10 of the present exemplary embodiment, first arm 20A and second arm 20B are relatively pivotable. This allows first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B, which will be described later, to come closer to or separate from each other.

Next, pivot joint 110 of hair iron 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 5, pivot joint 110 includes shaft 111 including head 111 a and rod 111 b, screw 112 fitted into rod 111 b, and shaft cover 113 that covers a head of screw 112.

Pivot joint 110 includes a pair of protrusions 114 provided at a rear end of first case 210A of first arm 20A, which will be described later, in the X direction (front-back direction). Note that, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the pair of protrusions 114 have an approximate disc shape (including a disc shape) and extends downward from both ends of first case 210A in the Y direction (width direction). Through-hole 114 a is provided through a center of each protrusion 114 in the Y direction (width direction).

Pivot joint 110 includes protrusion 115 provided at a rear end of second case 210B of second arm 20B, which will be described later, in the X direction (front-back direction). Note that, according to the present exemplary embodiment, protrusion 115 has an approximate cylindrical shape (including a cylindrical shape) and extends upward from second case 210B. Through-hole 115 a is provided through a center of protrusion 115 in the Y direction (width direction).

Pivot joint 110 further includes coil spring 116. Coil spring 116 is housed in a space provided in protrusion 115 having an approximate cylindrical shape (including a cylindrical shape).

Pivot joint 110 structured as described above is provided by the following method, for example.

Specifically, first, coil spring 116 is disposed in the space in protrusion 115.

Next, the pair of protrusions 114 are arranged at both ends of protrusion 115 in the Y direction (width direction). At this time, through-hole 114 a and through-hole 115 a communicate with each other in the Y direction (width direction).

Next, rod 111 b of shaft 111 is inserted from one side in the Y direction (width direction) into through-hole 114 a and through-hole 115 a that communicate with each other in the Y direction (width direction).

Next, screw 112 is inserted into through-hole 114 a and through-hole 115 a from the other side in the Y direction (width direction) and fitted into rod 111 b of shaft 111.

Next, shaft cover 113 is attached from the other side in the Y direction (width direction). As a result, the head of screw 112 is covered by shaft cover 113 to prevent the head from being exposed to the outside.

As described above, first arm 20A and second arm 20B are relatively pivotable at pivot joint 110.

Coil spring 116 applies force to first arm 20A and second arm 20B to cause both first arm 20A and second arm 20B to pivot outward.

Hereinafter, lock mechanism 120 of hair iron 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 6, hair iron 10 of the present exemplary embodiment includes lock mechanism 120 disposed at rear end 10 a of hair iron 10. Lock mechanism 120 restricts, when operated, the outward pivot motion of first arm 20A and second arm 20B. Alternatively, lock mechanism 120 holds, when operated, first arm 20A and second arm 20B in a closed state.

Specifically, lock mechanism 120 includes slide lock plate 121, restricting protrusion 122, and the like. Slide lock plate 121 is slidably attached to a rear end of an upper portion of second case 210B in the X direction (front-back direction). Restricting protrusion 122 is provided at a front end of slide lock plate 121 and extends upward (Z direction).

Lock mechanism 120 further includes restricting recess 123 provided at a rear end of a lower portion of first case 210A and restricting protrusion 124 provided in front of restricting recess 123.

Restricting recess 123 is provided to face restricting protrusion 122 of slide lock plate 121 when slide lock plate 121 is slid rearward in the X direction (front-back direction).

Further, restricting protrusion 124 is provided to face restricting protrusion 122 of slide lock plate 121 when slide lock plate 121 is slid forward in the X direction (front-back direction).

That is, when slide lock plate 121 is slid forward, a lower end of restricting protrusion 124 comes into contact with an upper end of restricting protrusion 122 of slide lock plate 121. This holds first arm 20A and second arm 20B in the closed state.

As described above, in hair iron 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment, coil spring 116 applies force to first arm 20A and second arm 20B so as to cause both first arm 20A and second arm 20B to pivot outward. However, when lock mechanism 120 is operated as described above, the outward pivot motion of first arm 20A and second arm 20B is restricted.

On the other hand, when slide lock plate 121 of lock mechanism 120 is slid rearward, the contact with restricting protrusion 124 is released. This allows first arm 20A and second arm 20B to pivot outward.

The outward pivot motion of first arm 20A and second arm 20B continues until restricting protrusion 122 of slide lock plate 121 engages with restricting recess 123. This restricts further outward pivot motion of first arm 20A and second arm 20B.

Further, on sides of first arm 20A and second arm 20B adjacent to pivot joint 110 (rear side of hair iron 10 in the X direction), first grip 30A (upper grip) and second grip 30B (lower grip) are provided respectively. On tip sides of first arm 20A and second arm 20B (front side of hair iron 10 in the X direction), first hair holding part 40A (upper hair holding part) and second hair holding part 40B (lower hair holding part) are provided respectively.

First hair holding part 40A includes first hair holding surface 560A (upper hair holding surface) that can come close to or separate from (can face) second hair holding surface 560B when first arm 20A is pivoted relative to second arm 20B. On the other hand, second hair holding part 40B includes second hair holding surface 560B (lower hair holding surface) that can come close to or separate from (can face) first hair holding surface 560A when second arm 20B is pivoted relative to first arm 20A.

Note that first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B of the present exemplary embodiment each have an approximate rectangular shape (including a rectangular shape) extending long and narrow in the X direction (front-back direction) as viewed along the Z direction (vertical direction: direction of the normal).

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, first hair holding part 40A and second hair holding part 40B of the present exemplary embodiment have their respective outer surfaces 420 aA and 420 aB formed in a curved shape, Accordingly, hair is easily wrapped around outer surface 420 aA or outer surface 420 aB. This can make the hair curly.

Note that outer surface 420 aA of first hair holding part 40A is a portion of the outer surface of first hair holding part 40A located on an opposite side from first hair holding surface 560A. Further, outer surface 420 aB of second hair holding part 40B is a portion of the outer surface of second hair holding part 40B located on an opposite side from second hair holding surface 560B.

That is, in FIG. 9, a portion, other than a lower surface, of the outer surface of first hair holding part 40A, and a portion, other than an upper surface, of the outer surface of second hair holding part 40B serve as outer surface 420 aA of first hair holding part 40A and outer surface 420 aB of second hair holding part 40B, respectively.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, first hair holding part 40A and second hair holding part 40B include heater 530A and heater 530B, respectively, heater 530A and heater 530B being provided as heat generators.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, hair iron 10 includes power supply cord 140 attached to rear end 10 a via rotary connector 130. Power supply cord 140 is electrically coupled to, via lead wire 581, control device 340B (electrical component) that controls heater 530A and heater 530B shown in FIG. 6.

Hair iron 10 further includes operation switch 150 shown in FIG. 8. Operation switch 150 allows a user to turn on or off power to heater 530A and heater 530B.

The use of hair iron 10 structured as described above can make the hair curly or straighten the hair.

That is, with hair iron 10, first, the hair is held between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B. Then, heat generated by heater 530A and heater 530B is applied to the hair through first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B. This can make the hair curly or straighten the hair.

Specifically, for example, the hair is made curly as follows.

First, first hair holding part 40A and second hair holding part 40B that have been heated are made to face each other. Then, between first hair holding part 40A and second hair holding part 40B, the hair is disposed extending in the width direction (Y direction) of first hair holding part 40A and second hair holding part 40B. In this state, the hair is held between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B.

Next, with the hair held, hair iron 10 is rotated, for example, about the X direction. This presses a root side of the hair that is not held between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B against outer surface 420 aA of first hair holding part 40A or outer surface 420 aB of second hair holding part 40B. Then, with the hair pressed against outer surface 420 aA or outer surface 420 aB, hair iron 10 is slid along the hair toward the ends of the hair. This makes the hair curly.

On the other hand, the hair is straightened as follows.

First, the hair is held between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B. In this state, hair iron 10 is slid along the hair toward the ends of the hair without being rotated. This straightens the hair,

That is, hair iron 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment makes hairdressing by applying heat to the hair for hair setting.

Hereinafter, first arm 20A given above will be described in more detail.

As shown in FIG. 1, first arm 20A primarily includes first case 210A serving as an outer shell. Then, a side of first case 210A adjacent to pivot joint 110 (rear side of hair iron 10 in the X direction) serves as first grip case 310A serving as an outer shell of first grip 30A. On the other hand, a tip side of first case 210A (front side of hair iron 10 in the X direction) serves as first hair holding part case 410A serving as an outer shell of first hair holding part 40A.

First case 210A of the present exemplary embodiment includes upper housing 220A and lower housing 230A, upper housing 220A that opens downward having the opening covered with lower housing 230A to form a hollow shape.

Specifically, an opening of upper housing 320A of first grip 30A that opens downward is covered with cover 330A. As a result, first grip case 310A is provided in a hollow shape. Further, an opening of upper housing 420A of first hair holding part 40A that opens downward is covered with first hair holding member 50A. As a result, first hair holding part case 410A is provided. As described above, upper housing 220A of the present exemplary embodiment includes upper housing 320A of first grip 30A and upper housing 420A of first hair holding part 40A. On the other hand, lower housing 230A includes cover 330A and first hair holding member 50A.

Note that, according to the present exemplary embodiment, upper housing 320A of first grip 30A and upper housing 420A of first hair holding part 40A are integrally provided. That is, a side of upper housing 220A adjacent to pivot joint 110 serves as upper housing 320A of first grip 30A. On the other hand, a tip side of upper housing 220A serves as upper housing 420A of first hair holding part 40A.

Further, cover 330A and first hair holding member 50A are separately provided and are each attached to upper housing 220A to cover the opening of upper housing 220A to form lower housing 230A.

Further, according to the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, partition 240A divides hollow space S1 in first case 210A into hollow space S2 in first grip 30A and hollow space S3 in first hair holding part 40A.

Partition 240A includes wall 221A, wall 331A, gasket 250A, and the like. Wall 221A is provided extending downward in the Z direction from an inner side (lower surface side) of a center of upper housing 220A in the X direction (longitudinal direction: front-back direction). Wall 331A is provided extending upward in the Z direction from an inner side (upper surface side) on a front side of cover 330A in the X direction. Gasket 250A is held between wall 221A and wall 331A. As a result, partition 240A is provided.

Herein, according to the present exemplary embodiment, a portion of first arm 20A located behind partition 240A serves as first grip 30A, and a portion of first arm 20A located in front of partition 240A serves as first hair holding part 40A. That is, in hair iron 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment, a portion on a tip side (in front of wall 331A) of cover 330A serves as a portion of first hair holding part case 410A.

Various electrical components are housed in hollow space S2 in first grip 30A and hollow space S3 in first hair holding part 40A shown in FIG. 6.

Specifically, according to the present exemplary embodiment, electronic components (electrical components) such as control device 340A are housed in hollow space S2 in first grip 30A. Discharge device 600 (electrical component), thermostat 582A (electronic component: electrical component), and the like are housed in hollow space S3 in first hair holding part 40A.

The above-described layout increases a watertight effect for electronic components (electrical components) such as control device 340A housed in hollow space S2 in first grip 30A.

Note that control device 340A and discharge device 600 (electrical components) are electrically coupled to each other via lead wire 581 passing through an insertion hole provided through gasket 250A.

Further, according to the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, front end 222A (end on the front side in the X direction) of upper housing 220A is curved downward (toward first hair holding surface 560A). That is, the curvature of front end 222A allows the user to easily hold front end 222A when using hair iron 10. Further, protrusion 222 aA is provided at front end 222A. Protrusion 222 aA serves as a slip stopper when the user holds front end 222A. Note that protrusion 222 aA is further capable of dissipating heat transmitted from heater 530A to front end 222A (knob to be held by the user).

Further, according to the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, heat insulation member 430A is provided on inner surface 420 bA of upper housing 420A. Heat insulation member 430A prevents heat from being transmitted from heater 530A to upper housing 420A. Note that heat insulation member 430A is provided along inner surface 420 bA having a concave shape of upper housing 420A. Heat insulation member 430A includes insertion hole 431A provided through a portion of heat insulation member 430A.

On the other hand, protrusion 421A extending downward (extending toward first hair holding member 50A) is provided at the portion of heat insulation member 430A corresponding to insertion hole 431A.

Heat insulation member 430A is disposed on inner surface 420 bA of upper housing 420A with the protrusion 421A held in insertion hole 431A. As a result, heat insulation member 430A is positioned relative to upper housing 420A.

That is, heat insulation member 430A is disposed on inner surface 420 bA of upper housing 420A. This makes it possible to prevent, even when first hair holding part 40A is made thinner, heat from being transmitted from heater 530A to upper housing 420A.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, first hair holding member 50A serving as a portion of lower housing 230A includes plate member 510A. Plate member 510A is made of a material having high heat conductivity such as copper or aluminum.

First hair holding member 50A further includes holding member 520A, heater 530A, and the like. Holding member 520A is supported by upper housing 420A of first hair holding part 40A to hold plate member 510A. Heater 530A is heat-conductively coupled to plate member 510A to transmit generated heat to plate member 510A.

Plate member 510A includes plate part 540A having an approximate plate shape (including a plate shape). Plate part 540A includes first hair holding surface 560A provided on a surface (lower surface) of plate part 540A, first hair holding surface 560A having an approximately flat shape (including a flat shape). According to the present exemplary embodiment, first hair holding surface 560A is provided in an approximate rectangular shape (including a rectangular shape) extending long and narrow in the longitudinal direction of first case 210A in the plan view (as viewed from below).

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, plate part 540A has both ends in the Y direction (width direction: the same direction as the width direction of first hair holding part 40A) bent toward the inside of first case 210A. Then, at both ends of first hair holding surface 560A in the Y direction (width direction), curved surface 562A is provided in a convex shape that curves obliquely outward in the cross-sectional view in the width direction (plane cut along a vertical plane along the width direction).

That is, first hair holding surface 560A includes flat surface 561A (flat part) located at a center of first hair holding surface 560A in the width direction and curved surfaces 562A provided at both ends of flat surface 561A in the width direction.

Further, plate member 510A includes a pair of legs 550A continuously extending inward (upward) from a back surface (upper side) of plate part 540A. The pair of legs 550A are held by holding member 520A. As a result, plate member 510A is held by holding member 520A. Heater 530A is housed in housing 570A provided between the pair of legs 550A. At this time, heater 530A housed in housing 570A is disposed in contact with an inner surface of plate part 540A.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, electrical components such as thermostat 582A are housed adjacent to a back surface (lower side) of heater 530A in housing 570A.

Examples of heater 530A include a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater and the like. The use of the FTC heater allows stepless temperature control. However, the PTC heater need not necessarily be used as the heater, and another type of heater such as a nichrome wire heater may be used.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, holding member 520A has an approximate mountain shape (including a mountain shape) that opens downward and protrudes upward in the cross-sectional view in the width direction.

Specifically, holding member 520A includes top wall 521A, side wall 522A, upper flat part 521 aA, inclined part 521 bA, lower flat part 521 cA, and side wall 522A. Side walls 522A are provided extending downward from both ends of top wall 521A in the Y direction. Upper flat part 521 aA is located at a center of holding member 520A in the Y direction (width direction) and is disposed at an upper position of top wall 521A. Inclined part 521 bA. is provided continuously extending from both ends, in the Y direction, of upper flat part 521 aA of top wall 521A and extends outward in the Y direction and downward. Further, lower flat part 521 cA is provided continuously extending from both ends of inclined part 521 bA of top wall 521A and horizontally extends outward in the Y direction. Then, as described above, side walls 522A are provided continuously extending from both ends, in the Y direction, of lower flat part 521 cA of top wall 521A.

Note that a structure is preferably employed where at least one of first hair holding part 40A and second hair holding part 40B is supported movable up and down in the vertical direction (direction of the normal) relative to upper housing 420A of first hair holding part 40A and lower housing 420B of second hair holding part 40B. This structure can prevent excessive load on the hair held between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B. This can in turn prevent damage to hair.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, first hair holding part 40A includes first float mechanism 60A. First float mechanism 60A floatably holds first hair holding member 50A relative to upper housing 420A (see FIG. 9 and FIG. 10).

First float mechanism 60A includes two float rubbers 610A (float parts) that are elastically deformable. Float rubbers 610A are arranged on the center of first hair holding part 40A in the Y direction (width direction) and spaced apart from each other in the X direction (front-back direction). Then, the elastic deformation of two float rubbers 610A causes first hair holding member 50A to move (float) relative to upper housing 420A.

Each float rubber 610A of the present exemplary embodiment has an arrowhead shape in the cross-sectional view in the width direction, and includes neck part 611A and arrowhead part 612A, neck part 611A being located on a base side of float rubber 610A, and arrowhead part 612A being located on a tip side of float rubber 610A. Arrowhead part 612A tapers down toward the tip side and includes flat surface 612 aA on a base side of arrowhead part 612A, flat surface 612 aA being large in area. On the other hand, on a tip of arrowhead part 612A, flat surface 612 bA smaller in area than flat surface 612 aA is provided. Neck part 611A is provided continuously extending from a center of flat surface 612 aA.

Neck part 611A located on the base side of float rubber 610A is inserted into insertion hole 621A provided through upper flat part 521 aA of top wall 521A. This causes float rubber 610A to be held by top wall 521A of holding member 520A. At this time, flat surface 612 aA located on the base side (neck part 611A side) of arrowhead part 612A is housed in space 623A surrounded by rib 622A. provided on upper flat part 521 aA of top wall 521A.

On the other hand, flat surface 612 bA located on the tip side (tapered portion side) of arrowhead part 612A is housed in space 632A surrounded by peripheral wall 631A provided on protrusion 421A of upper housing 420A.

This structure causes, according to the present exemplary embodiment, first hair holding member 50A to be supported by upper housing 420A via float rubbers 610A that are elastically deformable. That is, first hair holding member 50A is floatably held relative to upper housing 420A. This allows first hair holding surface 560A to swing in the direction of the normal to first hair holding surface 560A (Z direction: vertical direction).

Note that, the swing motion of first hair holding surface 560A in the direction of the normal to first hair holding surface 560A includes a linear motion of first hair holding surface 560A in the direction of the normal to first hair holding surface 560A. The swing motion further includes a relative motion of one end of first hair holding surface 560A to the other end in the direction of the normal to first hair holding surface 560A.

That is, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the swing motion of first hair holding surface 560A in the direction of the normal to first hair holding surface 560A corresponds to the linear motion of first hair holding surface 560A in the direction of the normal to first hair holding surface 560A or a pivot motion of first hair holding surface 560A on an axis along an XY plane.

First hair holding part 40A of the present exemplary embodiment further includes first pivot mechanism 70A, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. First pivot mechanism 70A is structured to pivot first hair holding surface 560A (first hair holding member 50A) on first pivot axis 710A extending in the X direction (front-back direction).

Specifically, first pivot mechanism 70A includes first pivot piece 720A and support part 730A that slidably supports first pivot piece 720A.

First pivot piece 720A is provided, extending outward in the X direction, at both sides of holding member 520A in the X direction. First pivot piece 720A has a convex shape that curves upward (Z direction). Then, concave surface 721A provided on a lower side (side adjacent to first hair holding surface 560A) of first pivot piece 720A is slidably supported by support part 730A.

That is, concave surface 721A is provided in an arc shape centered on first pivot axis 710A in the cross-sectional view in the width direction (Y direction).

Herein, according to the present exemplary embodiment, first groove part 711A (groove, see FIG. 13) is provided extending along the X direction (front-back direction: longitudinal direction) on the center of first hair holding surface 560A in the Y direction (width direction). First groove part 711A has a depth of about 1 mm, for example. First groove part 711A corresponds to first pivot axis 710A. Therefore, according to the present exemplary embodiment, concave surface 721A is provided in an arc shape centered on first groove part 711A in the cross-sectional view in the width direction.

Support part 730A of first pivot mechanism 70A includes two outer ribs 731A and two inner ribs 732A. Outer ribs 731A are provided outside in the Y direction (width direction). Inner ribs 732A are provided inside two outer ribs 731A in the Y direction (width direction).

Outer ribs 731A and inner ribs 732A are provided extending, toward upper housing 420A, from the inner surface of lower housing 230A adjacent to hollow space S3 in first hair holding part 40A shown in FIG. 6.

Note that, according to the present exemplary embodiment, outer ribs 731A and inner rib 732A on one side (rear side in the front-back direction) are provided on cover 330A as lower housing 230A. Outer ribs 731A and inner ribs 732A on the other side (front side in the front-back direction) are provided on lower housing 230A that covers the opening, located in front of first hair holding member 50A, of upper housing 220A.

Further, according to the present exemplary embodiment, two inner ribs 732A extend shorter than two outer ribs 731A.

Then, concave surface 721A of first pivot piece 720A is brought into sliding contact with tips of two inner ribs 732A. This causes first pivot piece 720A to be slidably supported by support part 730A. Two outer ribs 731A are structured to prevent first pivot piece 720A from being misaligned in the Y direction (width direction). This structure prevents, when first hair holding surface 560A (first hair holding member 50A) is pivoted relative to upper housing 220A, concave surface 721A of first pivot piece 720A from being out of sliding contact with the tips of two inner ribs 732A.

As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, first pivot piece 720A is pivotably supported by support part 730A. This allows first hair holding surface 560A to pivot on first groove part 711A (first pivot axis 710A) extending in the X direction (front-back direction).

Note that the present exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to an example where first pivot axis 710A is an intangible shaft, but first pivot axis 710A may be a tangible shaft.

First arm 20A is structured as described above.

Hereinafter, second arm 20B given above will be described in more detail.

As shown in FIG. 2, second arm 20B primarily includes second case 210B serving as an outer shell. Then, a side of second case 210B adjacent to pivot joint 110 (rear side of hair iron 10 in the X direction) serves as second grip case 310B serving as an outer shell of second grip 30B. On the other hand, a tip side of second case 210B (front side of hair iron 10 in the X direction) serves as second hair holding part case 410B serving as an outer shell of second hair holding part 40B.

Second case 210B of the present exemplary embodiment includes upper housing 230B and lower housing 220B, lower housing 220B that opens upward having the opening covered with upper housing 230B to form a hollow shape.

Specifically, an opening of lower housing 320B of second grip 30B that opens upward is covered with cover 330B, As a result, second grip case 310B is provided in a hollow shape. Further, an opening of lower housing 420B of second hair holding part 40B that opens upward is covered with second hair holding member 50B. As a result, second hair holding part case 4108 is provided.

As described above, lower housing 220B of the present exemplary embodiment includes lower housing 320B of second grip 30B and lower housing 420B of second hair holding part 40B. On the other hand, upper housing 230B includes cover 330B and second hair holding member 50B.

Note that, according to the present exemplary embodiment, lower housing 320B of second grip 30B and lower housing 420B of second hair holding part 40B are integrally provided. That is, a side of lower housing 220B adjacent to pivot joint 110 serves as lower housing 320B of second grip 30B. On the other hand, a tip side of lower housing 220B serves as lower housing 420B of second hair holding part 40B.

Further, cover 330B and second hair holding member 50B are separately provided and are each attached to lower housing 220B to cover the opening of lower housing 220B to form upper housing 230B.

Further, according to the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, partition 240B divides hollow space S4 in second case 210B into hollow space S5 in second grip 30B and hollow space S6 in second hair holding part 40B.

Partition 240B includes wall 221B, wall 331B, gasket 250B, and the like. Wall 221B is provided extending upward in the Z direction from an inner side (upper surface side) of a center of lower housing 220B in the X direction (longitudinal direction: front-back direction). Wall 331B is provided extending downward in the Z direction from an inner side (lower surface side) on a front side of cover 330B in the X direction. Gasket 250B is held between wall 221B and wall 331B. As a result, partition 240B is provided.

Herein, according to the present exemplary embodiment, a portion of second arm 20B located behind partition 240B serves as second grip 30B, and a portion of second arm 20B located in front of partition 240B serves as second hair holding part 40B. That is, in hair iron 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment, a portion on a tip side (in front of wall 331B) of cover 330B serves as a portion of second hair holding part case 410B.

Various electric components are housed in hollow space S5 in second grip 30B and hollow space S6 in second hair holding part 40B shown in FIG. 6.

Specifically, according to the present exemplary embodiment, electronic components (electrical components) such as control device 340B that controls heater 530A and heater 530B are housed in hollow space S5 in second grip 30B. Electrical components such as fuse 582B and thermistor 583B are housed in hollow space S6 in second hair holding part 40B.

The above-described layout increases a watertight effect for electronic components (electrical components) such as control device 340B housed in hollow space S5 in second grip 30B.

Note that heater 530A and thermostat 582A are electrically coupled to control device 340B via lead wire 581 passing through an insertion hole provided through gasket 250A. Further, electrical components such as fuse 582B and thermistor 583B are electrically coupled to control device 340B via lead wire 581.

Further, according to the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, front end 222B (end on the front side in the X direction) of lower housing 220B is curved upward (toward second hair holding surface 560B). That is, the curvature of front end 222B allows the user to easily hold front end 222B when using hair iron 10. Further, protrusion 222 aB is provided at front end 222B. Protrusion 222 aB serves as a slip stopper when the user holds front end 222B. Note that protrusion 222 aB is further capable of dissipating heat transmitted from heater 530B to front end 222B (knob to be held by the user).

Furthermore, according to the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, heat insulation member 430B is provided on inner surface 420 bB of lower housing 420B. Heat insulation member 430B prevents heat from being transmitted from heater 530B to lower housing 420B. Note that heat insulation member 430B is provided along inner surface 420 bB having a concave shape of lower housing 420B. Heat insulation member 430B includes insertion hole 431B provided through a portion of heat insulation member 430B.

On the other hand, protrusion 421B extending upward (extending toward second hair holding member 50B) is provided at the portion corresponding to insertion hole 431B.

Heat insulation member 430B is disposed on inner surface 420 bB of lower housing 420B with protrusion 421B held in insertion hole 431B. As a result, heat insulation member 430B is positioned relative to lower housing 420B.

That is, heat insulation member 430B is disposed on inner surface 420 bB of lower housing 420B. This makes it possible to prevent, even when second hair holding part 40B is made thinner, heat from being transmitted from heater 530B to lower housing 420B.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, second hair holding member 50B serving as a portion of upper housing 230B includes plate member 510B. Plate member 510B is also made of a material having high heat conductivity such as copper or aluminum.

Further, second hair holding member 50B includes holding member 520B, heater 530B, and the like. Holding member 520B is supported by lower housing 420B of second hair holding part 40B to hold plate member 510B. Heater 530B is heat-conductively coupled to plate member 510B to transmit generated heat to plate member 510B.

Plate member 510B includes plate part 540B having an approximate plate shape (including a plate shape). Plate part 540B includes second hair holding surface 560B provided on a surface (upper surface) of plate part 540B, second hair holding surface 560B having an approximate flat shape (including a flat shape). According to the present exemplary embodiment, second hair holding surface 560B is provided in an approximate rectangular shape (including a rectangular shape) extending long and narrow in the longitudinal direction of second case 210B in the plan view (as viewed from below).

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, plate part 540B has both ends in the Y direction (width direction: the same direction as the width direction of second hair holding part 40B) bent toward the inside of second case 210B. Then, at both ends of second hair holding surface 560B in the Y direction (width direction), curved surface 562B is provided in a convex shape that curves obliquely outward in the cross-sectional view in the width direction (plane cut along a vertical plane along the width direction).

That is, second hair holding surface 560B includes flat surface 561B (flat part) located at a center of second hair holding surface 560B in the width direction and curved surfaces 562B provided at both ends of fiat surface 561B in the width direction.

Further, plate member 510B includes a pair of legs 550B continuously extending inward (downward) from a back surface (lower side) of plate part 540B. The pair of legs 550B are held by holding member 520B. As a result, plate member 510B is held by holding member 520B. Heater 530B is housed in housing 570B provided between the pair of legs 550B. At this time, heater 530B housed in housing 570B is disposed in contact with an inner surface of plate part 540B.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, electrical components such as fuse 582B and thermistor 583B are housed adjacent to a back surface (lower side) of heater 530B in housing 570B.

Examples of heater 530B include a positive temperature coefficient heater (PTC) heater and the like. The use of the PTC heater allows stepless temperature control. However, the PTC heater need not necessarily be used as the heater, and another type of heater such as a nichrome wire heater may be used.

Note that the heater (heat generator) may be provided in only either one of first hair holding part 40A or second hair holding part 40B.

Further, as described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, control device 340B that controls heater 530A and heater 530B is housed in hollow space S5 in second grip 30B. Then, control device 340B is capable of controlling, stepwise, the temperature of first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B.

Specifically, thermostat 582A is attached to the back surface of plate part 540A and is electrically coupled to control device 340B. Then, using thermostat 582A, control device 340B controls the temperature of heater 530A.

On the other hand, thermistor 583B is attached to the back surface of plate part 540B and is electrically coupled to control device 340B. Then, control device 340B controls the temperature of heater 530B by using resistance of thermistor 583B, specifically, the resistance of thermistor 583B that varies in a manner that depends on changes in temperature of heater 530B.

Note that, according to the present exemplary embodiment, fuse 582B is provided on the back surface of plate part 540B. Then, fuse 582B blows when a temperature of first hair holding surface 560A or second hair holding surface 560B exceeds a predetermined. temperature due to damage to control device 340B or the like. As a result, the power to the heaters (heater 530A and heater 530B) is interrupted, which prevents a failure from occurring. Note that it is more preferable that the fuse be further provided on the back surface of plate part 540A. This makes it possible to prevent a failure from occurring more reliably.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, holding member 520B has an approximate mountain shape (including a mountain shape) that opens upward and protrudes downward in the cross-sectional view in the width direction. Specifically, holding member 520B includes bottom wall 521B, side wall 522B, lower flat part 521 aB, inclined part 521 bB, upper flat part 521 cB, and side wall 522B. Side walls 522B are provided extending upward from both ends of bottom wall 521B in the Y direction. Lower flat part 521 aB is located at, the center in the Y direction (width direction) and is disposed at a lower position of bottom wall 521B. Inclined part 521 bB is provided continuously extending from both ends of lower flat part 521 aB of bottom wall 521B in the Y direction (width direction) and extend outward in the Y direction and upward.

Further, upper flat part 521 cB is provided continuously extending from both ends of inclined part 521 bB of bottom wall 521B and horizontally extends outward in the Y direction. Then, as described above, side walls 522B are provided continuously extending from both ends of upper flat part 521 cB of bottom wall 521B in the Y direction.

Note that a structure is preferably employed where at least one of first hair holding part 40A and second hair holding part 40B is supported movable up and down in the vertical direction (direction of the normal) relative to upper housing 420A of first hair holding part 40A and lower housing 420B of second hair holding part 40B. This structure can prevent excessive load on the hair held between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B. This can in turn prevent damage to hair.

Therefore, according to the present exemplary embodiment, second hair holding part 40B includes second float mechanism 60B. Second float mechanism 60B floatably holds second hair holding member 50B relative to lower housing 420B (see FIG. 9 and FIG. 10).

Second float mechanism 60B includes two float rubbers 610B (float parts) that are elastically deformable. Float rubbers 610B are arranged on the center in the Y direction (width direction) and spaced apart from each other in the X direction (front-back direction). Then, the elastic deformation of two float rubbers 610B causes second hair holding member 50B to move (float) relative to lower housing 420B.

Each float rubber 610B of the present exemplary embodiment has an arrowhead shape in the cross-sectional view in the width direction, and includes neck part 611B and arrowhead part 612B, neck part 611A being located on a base side of float rubber 610B, and arrowhead part 612A being located on a tip side of float rubber 610B. Arrowhead part 612B tapers down toward the tip side and includes flat surface 612 aB on a base side of arrowhead part 612B, flat surface 612 aB being large in area. On the other hand, on a tip of arrowhead part 612B, flat surface 612 bB smaller in area than flat surface 612 aB is provided. Neck part 611B is provided continuously extending from a center of flat surface 612 aB.

Neck part 611B located on the base side of float rubber 610B is inserted into insertion hole 621B provided through lower flat part 521 aB of bottom wall 521B. This causes float rubber 610B to be held by bottom wall 521B of holding member 520B. At this time, flat surface 612 aB of arrowhead part 612B located on the base side (neck part 611B side) is housed in space 623B surrounded by rib 622B provided on lower flat part 521 aB of bottom wall 521B.

On the other hand, flat surface 612 bB of arrowhead part 612B located on the tip side (tapered portion) is housed in space 632B surrounded by peripheral wall 631B provided below protrusion 421B of lower housing 420B.

This structure causes, according to the present exemplary embodiment, second hair holding member 50B to be supported by lower housing 420B via float rubbers 610B that are elastically deformable. That is, second hair holding member 50B is floatably held relative to lower housing 420B. This allows second hair holding surface 560B to swing in the direction of the normal to second hair holding surface 560B (Z direction: vertical direction).

Note that the swing motion of second hair holding surface 560B in the direction of the normal to second hair holding surface 560B includes a linear motion of second hair holding surface 560B in the direction of the normal to second hair holding surface 560B. The swing motion further includes a relative motion of one end of second hair holding surface 560B to the other end in the direction of the normal to second hair holding surface 560B.

That is, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the swing motion of second hair holding surface 560B in the direction of the normal to second hair holding surface 560B corresponds to the linear motion of second hair holding surface 560B in the direction of the normal to second hair holding surface 560B or a pivot motion of second hair holding surface 560B on an axis along an XY plane.

Second hair holding part 40B of the present exemplary embodiment further includes second pivot mechanism 70B as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. Second pivot mechanism 70B is structured to pivot second hair holding surface 560B (second hair holding member 50B) on second pivot axis 710B extending in the X direction (front-back direction).

Specifically, second pivot mechanism 70B includes second pivot piece 720B and support part 730B that slidably supports second pivot piece 720B.

Second pivot piece 720B is provided, extending outward in the X direction, at both sides of holding member 520B in the X direction. Second pivot piece 720B has a convex shape that curves downward (Z direction). Further, concave surface 721B provided on an upper side (side adjacent to second hair holding surface 560B) of second pivot piece 720B is slidably supported by support part 730B.

That is, concave surface 721B is provided in an arc shape centered on second pivot axis 710B in the cross-sectional view in the width direction (Y direction).

Herein, according to the present exemplary embodiment, second groove part 711B (see FIG. 13) is provided extending along the X direction (front-back direction: longitudinal direction) on the center of second hair holding surface 560B in the Y direction (width direction). Note that second groove part 711B has a depth of about 1 mm, for example. Second groove part 711B corresponds to second pivot axis 710B. Therefore, according to the present exemplary embodiment, concave surface 721B is provided in an arc shape centered on second groove part 711B in the cross-sectional view in the width direction. According to the present exemplary embodiment, second groove part 711B is provided facing first groove part 711A in the Z direction (thickness direction) when first arm 20A and second arm 20B are closed.

Support part 730B of second pivot mechanism 70B includes two outer ribs 731B and two inner ribs 732B. Outer ribs 731B are provided outside in the Y direction (width direction). Inner ribs 732B are provided inside two outer ribs 731B in the Y direction (width direction).

Outer ribs 731B and inner ribs 732B are provided extending, toward lower housing 420B, from the inner surface of upper housing 230B adjacent to hollow space S6 in second hair holding part 40B shown in FIG. 6.

Note that, according to the present exemplary embodiment, outer ribs 731B and inner ribs 732B on one side (rear side in the front-back direction) are provided on cover 330B as upper housing 230B. Outer ribs 731B and inner ribs 732B on the other side (front side in the front-back direction) are provided on upper housing 230B that covers the opening, located in front of second hair holding member 50B, of lower housing 220B.

Further, according to the present exemplary embodiment, two inner ribs 732B extend shorter than two outer ribs 731B.

Then, concave surface 721B of second pivot piece 720B is brought into sliding contact with tips of two inner ribs 732B. This causes second pivot piece 720B to be slidably supported by support part 730B. At this time, two outer ribs 731B are structured to prevent second pivot piece 720B from being misaligned in the Y direction (width direction). This structure prevents, when second hair holding surface 560B (second hair holding member 50B) is pivoted relative to lower housing 220B, concave surface 721B of second pivot piece 720B from being out of sliding contact with the tips of two inner ribs 732B.

As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, second pivot piece 720B is pivotably supported by support part 730B. This allows second hair holding surface 560B to pivot on second groove part 711B (second pivot axis 710B) extending in the X direction (front-back direction).

Note that the present exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to an example where second pivot axis 710B is an intangible shaft, but second pivot axis 710B may be a tangible shaft.

Furthermore, according to the present exemplary embodiment, predetermined gap d is provided between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B when first arm 20A and second arm 20B are closed. Predetermined gap d corresponds to a space provided between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B.

Second arm 20B is structured as described above.

Further, in hair iron 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment, discharge device 80 is disposed in hollow space S3 in the first hair holding part 40A as described above (see FIG. 6).

Discharge device 80 generates ions and supplies the generated ions to the hair. This further increases hair care effects,

Further, in hair iron 10 of the present exemplary embodiment, discharge device 80 is provided at the above-described position, allowing hair iron 10 to he downsized in the Z direction (thickness direction).

Specifically, discharge device 80 is disposed at a portion of hollow space S3 in first hair holding part 40A that does not overlap first hair holding surface 560A. That is, according to the present exemplary embodiment, discharge device 80 is disposed so as not to overlap first hair holding surface 560A as viewed along the direction of the normal to first hair holding surface 560A (Z direction: thickness direction). As described above, discharge device 80 is disposed to prevent the normal to first hair holding surface 560A from intersecting discharge device 80.

Furthermore, according to the present exemplary embodiment, discharge device 80 is disposed adjacent to an approximate center (including a center) of a short side (rear short side), adjacent to discharge device 80, of first hair holding surface 560A.

Specifically, partition 240A that divides hollow space S1 in first case 210A into hollow space S2 in first grip 30A and hollow space S3 in first hair holding part 40A is disposed adjacent to the rear side in the X direction (front-back direction). Furthermore, according to the present exemplary embodiment, partition 240A is disposed behind partition 240B in the X direction (front-back direction). As a result, a length (length in the X direction) of first hair holding part 40A provided in front of partition 240A increases. This allows a relatively large space to be provided between partition 240A and first hair holding surface 560A (first hair holding member 50A).

Discharge device 80 is disposed in the space provided between partition 240A and first hair holding surface 560A (first hair holding member 50A). That is, discharge device 80 is disposed adjacent to the short side (rear short side) of first hair holding surface 560A.

Further, according to the present exemplary embodiment, discharge device 80 is disposed on a center, in the Y direction (width direction), of the space provided between partition 240A and first hair holding surface 560A. As a result, discharge device 80 is disposed adjacent to the approximate center (including the center) of the short side (rear short side), adjacent to discharge device 80, of first hair holding surface 560A.

Further, as an example according to the present exemplary embodiment, discharge device 80 includes first electrode 810 and second electrode 820 (counter electrode: an electrode paired with first electrode 810) as shown in FIG. 15. Second electrode 820 is disposed apart from first electrode 810, and discharge is made between second electrode 820 and first electrode 810 (see FIG. 15). First electrode 810 and second electrode 820 are made of, for example, a transition metal such as stainless steel or titanium.

Furthermore, discharge device 80 includes moisture-proof cover 830 that holds first electrode 810 and second electrode 820. Moisture-proof cover 830 is provided in an approximate box shape (including a box shape) that opens upward and is held with first electrode 810 and second electrode 820 exposed in a hollow space inside moisture-proof cover 830.

First electrode 810 and second electrode 820 of discharge device 80 of the present exemplary embodiment are electrically coupled to control device 340A via lead wire 581 shown in FIG. 6. Then, a high voltage is applied across first electrode 810 and second electrode 820. This allows discharge device 80 to cause discharge (corona discharge or the like).

Examples of discharge device 80 include a charged particle generator that generates a charged particulate liquid (for example, mist) and a metal particle generator that generates metal particles.

Then, the ions (charged particulate liquid such as mist or metal particles) generated by discharge device 80 (charged particle generator or metal particle generator) are ejected toward the hair from ion ejection port 333A. This supplies the ions generated by discharge device 80 to the hair through ion ejection port 333A. This in turn makes it possible to further increase hair care effects using the supplied ions.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, ion ejection port 333A is provided in front of a portion of cover 330A that covers the space provided between partition 240A and first hair holding surface 560A.

Specifically, cover 330A has a front end portion inclined upward (toward upper housing 220A). Cover 330A has opening 334A provided through the inclined part of the front end, opening 334A having an approximate rectangular shape (including a rectangular shape). Opening 334A communicates with hollow space S3 (hollow space in moisture-proof cover 830 having an approximate box shape (including a box shape) shown in FIG. 15) in first hair holding part 40A. Opening 334A thus provided is divided into three openings having an approximate rectangular shape (including a rectangular shape) by two partitions walls 335A disposed apart from each other in the Y direction (width direction). Then, among the three openings, openings provided on both sides in the Y direction (width direction) serve as ion ejection ports 333A.

That is, according to the present exemplary embodiment, ion ejection ports 333A is disposed adjacent to a surface of first hair holding part 40A that faces second hair holding part 40B and a side of first hair holding surface 560A adjacent to pivot joint 110.

Two ion ejection ports 333A are provided communicating with discharge device 80 (hollow space in moisture-proof cover 830). That is, first electrode 810 and second electrode 820 of discharge device 80 thus arranged are exposed to ion ejection port 333A.

Further, according to the present exemplary embodiment, ion ejection ports 333A thus provided are exposed to predetermined gap d (the space provided between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B) shown in. FIG. 9.

This causes the ions (negative ions or positive ions) or charged particulate liquid generated by discharge device 80 to be ejected from ion ejection ports 333A toward the space (predetermined gap d) provided between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B.

That is, ion ejection ports 333A thus provided are capable of supplying the ions (negative ions or positive ions) or charged particulate liquid generated by discharge device 80 to the hair held between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B.

Further, according to the present exemplary embodiment, among the three openings, an opening provided at the center in the Y direction (width direction) serves as liquid intake port 332A that introduces liquid that come from the hair into the hollow space in moisture-proof cover 830 having an approximate box shape (including a box shape) (see FIG. 13 and FIG. 14).

Therefore, according to the present exemplary embodiment, ion ejection ports 333A are arranged, with liquid intake port 332A interposed between ion ejection ports 333A, adjacent to both ends of the short side, adjacent to ion ejection ports 333A, of first hair holding surface 560A,

That is, liquid intake port 332A of the present exemplary embodiment is disposed adjacent to the surface of first hair holding part 40A that faces second hair holding part 40B and the side of first hair holding surface 560A adjacent to pivot joint 110. Furthermore, liquid intake port 332A is disposed adjacent to the approximate center (including the center) of the short side, adjacent to liquid intake port 332A, of first hair holding surface 560A.

Further, as described above, liquid intake port 332A is provided communicating with discharge device 80 (hollow space in moisture-proof cover 830). Liquid intake port 332A is disposed on approximately the same axis as first groove part 711A (groove) (first pivot axis 710A).

This facilitates the supply of water that comes from the hair held between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B to discharge device 80 through first groove part 711A.

That is, liquid intake port 332A is provided to introduce liquid such as water from the hair held between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B into discharge device 80. Examples of the liquid include, for example, a hair treatment agent and the like in addition to water.

Furthermore, liquid intake port 332A of the present exemplary embodiment thus disposed is further exposed to second groove part 711B as shown in FIG. 8.

The above-described structure supplies, through liquid intake port 332A from first groove part 711A or second groove part 711B, water that comes from the hair held between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B to discharge device 80.

That is, according to the present exemplary embodiment, first groove part 711A and second groove part 711B serve as liquid passages through which liquid such as water is supplied to discharge device 80.

As described above, liquid intake port 332A is provided to introduce liquid such as water from the hair held between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B into discharge device 80.

On the other hand, ion ejection ports 333A are provided to supply the ions (negative ions or positive ions) or charged particulate liquid generated by discharge between first electrode 810 and second electrode 820 to the hair held between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B.

This allows, while hair iron 10 is in use, the liquid. that conies from the hair held between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B to be introduced into discharge device 80 through the liquid passages (first groove part 711A and second groove part 711B) and liquid intake port 332A. Then, gas such as water vapor introduced into discharge device 80 comes into contact with first electrode 810 and second electrode 820 and then condenses.

Note that the liquid passages may be used for a discharge device configured to cause discharge in a state where liquid such as water is not condensed to generate only ions.

Further, when the discharge device causes discharge, a negative voltage may be applied across the electrodes to generate negative ions. Further, a positive voltage may be applied across the electrodes of the discharge device to generate positive ions.

Further, when the discharge device causes discharge, a negative voltage and a positive voltage may be alternately applied to generate negative ions and positive ions in an alternate manner. Further, the discharge device may include a plurality of electrodes. With this structure, a negative voltage may be applied to any of the plurality of electrodes and a positive voltage may be applied to any of the other electrodes, so that negative ions and positive ions are generated simultaneously.

Note that discharge device 80 described in the present exemplary embodiment is merely an example, and any discharge device may be disposed at a portion that does overlap first hair holding surface 560A.

Hereinafter, an example of action and effect of hair iron 10 structured as described above will be described.

First, the user operates (turns on) operation switch 150 provided on hair iron 10 shown in FIG. 8 to apply power to the heaters (heater 530A and heater 530B). This causes the heaters (heater 530A and heater 530B) to generate heat, and the heat generated by the heaters (heater 530A and heater 530B) is transmitted from the heaters to plate part 540A and plate part 540B. As a result, plate part 540A and plate part 540B are heated.

At this time, control device 340A heats first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B to a predetermined temperature (for example, 170° C.). Then, when the temperature of first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B reaches the predetermined temperature, control device 340A displays the temperature on indicator 160 provided on second arm 20B shown in FIG. 8. This notifies the user that the temperature of first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B has reached the predetermined temperature. Note that indicator 160 is implemented by, for example, an LED or a light guide member.

Next, with first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B heated to the predetermined temperature, the user puts his/her hair between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B.

At this time, float deformation of first hair holding surface 560A or pivot action on first pivot axis 710A can be made.

Similarly, float deformation of second hair holding surface 560B or pivot action on second pivot axis 710B can be made.

This allows the hair of the user to be suitably heated by first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B.

At this time, when the user wants to make his/her hair curly, the user rotates hair iron 10 by at least half a turn with the hair held between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B. This causes a portion of the hair that is not held between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B to be spirally wrapped around the outer surface (outer surface 420 aA or outer surface 420 aB).

Then, with the hair pressed against the outer surface (outer surface 420 aA or outer surface 420 aB), the user slides hair iron 10 along the hair toward the ends of the hair. This makes the hair curly.

On the other hand, when the user wants to straighten his/her hair, the user slides, with the hair held, hair iron 10 along the hair toward the ends of the hair without rotating hair iron 10. This straightens the hair.

Note that, while hair iron 10 is in use, application of a high voltage across first electrode 810 and second electrode 820 of discharge device 80 causes discharge (corona discharge or the like). This generates ions (negative ions or positive ions) or charged particulate liquid. Then, the generated ions (negative ions or positive ions) or charged particulate liquid is ejected toward the hair through ion ejection port 333A shown in FIG. 13.

Further, while hair iron 10 is in use, the hair is heated, and, accordingly, water that comes from the hair of the user evaporates to generate water vapor, and then expands. Then, the generation of water vapor and expansion causes the water that conies from the hair of the user to reach liquid intake port 332A through the liquid passages (first groove part 711A and second groove part 711B).

Note that, according to the present exemplary embodiment, first groove part 711A and liquid intake port 332A are arranged on approximately the same axis (including on the same axis). Therefore, even when first hair holding surface 560A is pivoted, there occurs almost no change in positional relationship between first groove part 711A and liquid intake port 332A.

Further, when first arm 20A and second arm 20B are closed, second groove part 711B is also disposed on approximately the same axis (including on the same axis) as liquid intake port 332A. Therefore, even when second hair holding surface 560B is pivoted with the hair held between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B, there occurs almost no change in positional relationship between second groove part 711B and liquid intake port 332A.

The above-described structure allows water in liquid passages (first groove part 711A and second groove part 711B) to reach liquid intake port 332A more efficiently.

Then, application of a voltage to discharge device 80 causes liquid such as water coming from the hair that has reached liquid intake port 332A to be ionized.

Further, ions generated by discharge device 80 are ejected forward from ion ejection port 333A and are supplied to the hair held between first, hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B.

That is, application of a high voltage across first electrode 810 and second electrode 820 of discharge device 80 causes the generated ions (negative ions or positive ions) or charged particulate liquid to be supplied to the hair. This makes the hair of the user curly or straighten.

At this time, when a charged particle generator that generates mist is disposed as discharge device 80, for example, dew condensation water is made into fine particles by discharge action such as corona discharge. As a result, extremely fine, nanometer-sized mist (negatively charged mist including negative ions) is generated and then supplied to the hair. As a result, the hair can be moisturized.

Further, when a metal particle generator is disposed as discharge device 80, metal particles (metal molecules, ions, or the like) are emitted from first electrode 810, second electrode 820, or the like by discharge action such as corona discharge. Then, the emitted metal particles are supplied to the hair.

Note that the first electrode and second electrode of the metal particle generator may be made of a transition metal (such as gold, silver, copper, platinum, zinc, titanium, rhodium, palladium, iridium, ruthenium, or osmium) alone, an alloy of such transition metals, a member that results from plating the transition metal, or the like.

When the metal particles generated by and ejected from a discharge part of the metal particle generator contain gold, silver, copper, zinc, or the like, the metal particles containing such metal can exert an antibacterial effect. Further, when the metal particles contain platinum, zinc, titanium, or the like, the metal particles containing such metal can exert an antioxidant effect.

It has been found that platinum fine particles have an extremely high antioxidant effect. Further, in the metal particle generator, a portion (for example, an electrode that serves as a ground electrode) that does not emit metal particles can be made of, for example, stainless steel or tungsten.

Further, the discharge part of the metal particle generator may generate ions (for example, negative ions such as NO₂- or NO₃-) by discharge action, and bring the generated ions into collision with the first electrode, the second electrode, a member containing a different metal material or metal component, or the like to generate metal particles. Specifically, the second electrode or the other member is made of a material containing the transition metal. Then, metal particles may be released from the material containing the transition metal.

The above-described structure can effectively prevent, when the hair is treated using hair iron 10, damage to the hair due to the treatment.

As described above, hair iron 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes first hair holding part 40A including first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding part 40B including second hair holding surface 560B configured to face first hair holding surface 560A. Then, hair iron 10 holds the hair with first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B facing each other.

Further, hair iron 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes discharge device 80 that generates ions, and ion ejection port 333A that discharges the ions generated by discharge device 80. Then, discharge device 80 is disposed at a portion of first hair holding part 40A that does not overlap first hair holding surface 560A.

That is, when hair iron 10 is provided with discharge device 80, hair care effects can be further increased.

Further, discharge device 80 is disposed at the portion of first hair holding part 40A that does not overlap first hair holding surface 560A. This can make first hair holding part 40A thinner. This can in turn make the height (thickness) of hair iron 10 small.

The above-described structure of hair iron 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment can make downsizing in the thickness direction while increasing hair care effects.

The downsizing in the thickness direction allows hair iron 10 that is in use to be moved closer to the roots of the hair. This further allows hair iron 10 to hold a portion of the hair more adjacent to the roots. As a result, the treatment performance of hair iron 10 can be further increased.

However, when discharge device 80 is disposed at a portion of first hair holding part 40A that overlaps first hair holding surface 560A, and first hair holding surface 560A is supported pivotably and floatably, first hair holding surface 560A may interfere with discharge device 80. This may disallow the application of the structure where first hair holding surface 560A is supported pivotably and floatably.

Therefore, in hair iron 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment, discharge device 80 is disposed at the portion of first hair holding part 40A that does not overlap first hair holding surface 560A. Accordingly, discharge device 80 is not present in either a pivot range or float support range of first hair holding surface 560A. Therefore, it is possible to apply the structure where first hair holding surface 560A is pivotably and floatably supported more reliably.

Further, with ion ejection port 333A exposed to the space (predetermined gap d) provided between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B, ion ejection port 333A may be disposed in first hair holding part 40A.

That is, ion ejection port 333A is disposed at a portion of first hair holding part 40A that is exposed to the space between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B. This makes it possible to supply a sufficient amount of ions to the hair.

Further, in hair iron 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment, first hair holding surface 560A may include first groove part (groove) 711A extending along the longitudinal direction of first hair holding surface 560A,

This allows first groove part (groove) 711A to serve as a liquid passage for supplying liquid such as water that comes from the hair held between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B to discharge device 80. This in turn allows liquid such as water that comes from the hair held between first hair holding surface 560A and second hair holding surface 560B to be easily supplied to discharge device 80. This can promote stable generation of ionic components.

Hair iron 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment may further include liquid intake port 332A connected to discharge device 80, and first groove part (groove) 711A and liquid intake port 332A may be arranged substantially coaxially with each other.

Accordingly, hair iron 10 includes liquid intake port 332A connected to discharge device 80, and first groove part (groove) 711A and liquid intake port 332A are arranged on approximately the same axis (including on the same axis). This makes it possible to supply liquid such as water that comes from the hair to discharge device 80 more efficiently.

Further, in hair iron 10 according to the present exemplary first hair holding surface 560A may be configured to pivot on first pivot axis 710A, and first groove part (groove) 711A may serve as first pivot axis 710A.

This makes first hair holding surface 560A pivotable while minimizing a position change of first groove part (groove) 711A. As a result, liquid such as water that comes from the hair can he supplied to discharge device 80 more efficiently regardless of a pivot state of first hair holding surface 560A.

Further, in hair iron 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment, first hair holding part 40A may include float rubber 610A (float part) that causes first hair holding surface 560A to swing in the direction of the normal to first hair holding surface 560A.

This allows first hair holding surface 560A and the hair to come into contact with each other more reliably. This can in turn further increase heating efficiency for hair. Furthermore, adhesion of first hair holding surface 560A to the hair can be further increased. Therefore, when the hair is straightened, the straightness of the hair can be further increased.

Further, in hair iron 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment, second hair holding part 40B may include float rubber 610B (float part) that causes second hair holding surface 560B to swing in the direction of the normal to second hair holding surface 560B.

This allows second hair holding surface 560B and the hair to come into contact with each other more reliably. Therefore, heating efficiency for the hair can be further increased. Furthermore, adhesion of second hair holding surface 560B to the hair can be further increased. Therefore, when the hair is straightened, the straightness of the hair can be further increased.

Although the preferred exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

For example, the present disclosure is applicable to a hair iron in which the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface can come into contact with each other.

Further, the structure according to the above-described exemplary embodiment has been described as an example where the second electrode faces the first electrode, but the present disclosure is not limited to such a structure. For example, a structure may be applied where the second electrode does not face the first electrode.

Further, the structure according to the above-described exemplary embodiment has been described as an example where the first electrode and the second electrode are provided, but the present disclosure is not limited to such a structure. For example, a structure may be applied where the second electrode is not provided, and discharge is made between the first electrode and a constituent member located in the vicinity of the first electrode.

Further, the structure according to the above-described exemplary embodiment has been described as an example where the discharge part is provided in the first hair holding part serving as the upper hair holding part, but the present disclosure is not limited to such a structure. For example, another discharge device may be provided in the second hair holding part serving as the lower hair holding part. Alternatively, the discharge device may be provided only in the second hair holding part. When the discharge device is provided only in the lower hair holding part, the lower hair holding part corresponds to the first hair holding part, and the upper hair holding part corresponds to the second hair holding part according to the present exemplary embodiment.

Further, the structure according to the above-described exemplary embodiment has been described as an example where the hair iron includes the first grip in addition to the first hair holding part, but the present disclosure is riot limited to such a structure. For example, a structure may be applied where, in the hair iron, a portion of the first hair holding part serves as a grip, and the discharge device is disposed in the grip that is a portion of the first hair holding part.

Further, according to the above-described exemplary embodiment, it is needless to say that relevant grips, hair holding parts, and other detailed specifications (shape, size, layout, and the like) may be appropriately changed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hair irons comprising: a first hair holding part including a first hair holding surface; a second hair holding part including a second hair holding surface configured to face the first hair holding surface, the first, hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface facing each other to hold hair; a discharge device that generates ions; and an ion ejection port that ejects the ions generated by the discharge device, wherein the discharge device is disposed at a portion of the first hair holding part that does not overlap the first hair holding surface.
 2. The hair iron according to claim 1, wherein the ion ejection port is disposed in the first hair holding part, the ion ejection port being exposed to a space provided between the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface.
 3. The hair iron according to claim 1, wherein the first hair holding surface includes a groove extending along a longitudinal direction of the first hair holding surface.
 4. The hair iron according to claim 3 further comprising a liquid intake port connected to the discharge device, wherein the groove and the liquid intake port are arranged substantially coaxially with each other.
 5. The hair iron according to claim 3, wherein the first hair holding surface is configured to pivot on a first pivot axis, and the groove serves as the first pivot axis.
 6. The hair iron according to claim 1, wherein the first hair holding part includes a float part that causes the first hair holding surface to swing in a direction of a normal to the first hair holding surface.
 7. The hair iron according to claim 1, wherein the second hair holding part includes a float part that causes the second hair holding surface to swing in a direction of a normal to the second hair holding surface.
 8. The hair iron according to claim 4, wherein the ion ejection port is disposed in the first hair holding part, the ion ejection port being exposed to a space provided between the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface.
 9. The hair iron according to claim 5 further comprising a liquid intake port connected to the discharge device, wherein the groove and the liquid intake port are arranged substantially coaxially with each other.
 10. The hair iron according to claim 6, wherein the first hair holding surface includes a groove extending along a longitudinal direction of the first hair holding surface.
 11. The hair iron according to claim 10, wherein the first hair holding surface is configured. to pivot on a first pivot axis, and the groove serves as the first pivot axis.
 12. The hair iron according to claim 11 further comprising a liquid intake port connected to the discharge device, wherein the groove and the liquid intake port are arranged substantially coaxially with each other.
 13. The hair iron according to claim 7, wherein the first hair holding surface includes a groove extending along a longitudinal direction of the first hair holding surface.
 14. The hair iron according to claim 13 further comprising a liquid intake port connected to the discharge device, wherein the groove and the liquid intake port are arranged substantially coaxially with each other.
 15. The hair iron according to claim 13, wherein the first hair holding surface is configured to pivot on a first pivot axis, and the groove serves as the first pivot axis.
 16. The hair iron according to claim 14, wherein the first hair holding surface is configured to pivot on a first pivot axis, and the groove serves as the first pivot axis.
 17. The hair iron according to claim 7, wherein the first hair holding part includes a float part that causes the first hair holding surface to swing in a direction of a normal to the first hair holding surface.
 18. The hair iron according to claim 15, wherein the first hair holding part includes a float part that causes the first hair holding surface to swing in a direction of a normal to the first hair holding surface.
 19. The hair iron according to claim 16, wherein the first hair holding part includes a float part that causes the first hair holding surface to swing in a direction of a normal to the first hair holding surface. 